The Deterrent Effects of Initial Sanction on First-Time Apprehended Shoplifters

The deterrent effects of initial arrest are examined in a sample of first-time apprehended shoplifters in a court-referred treatment program. The findings indicate that a majority of first-time arrested shoplifters terminated their shoplifting activity after initial arrest. Those who attended the program have substantially lower recidivism rates and longer intervals than those who did not attend the program. Implications of the findings are discussed.